Squad X (a Nuzi Story)

Chapter 6: Breaking the situation

NORA POV

The café buzzed with soft music and warm fairy lights, creating a vibe that screamed romantic. I leaned forward in my seat, a smirk creeping onto my lips as I watched Tate across the table. He looked decent tonight—if you were into that whole "tall, dark, and irritatingly charming" type. Dressed in a fitted black shirt, he was pulling off the "I'm mysterious, but also totally predictable" look. I felt a flutter in my chest, but it was more like a warning alarm than butterflies.

"I'm really glad we decided to do this," I said, feigning lightness. "Feels like it's been ages since we had a date just the two of us. Not counting the times I've been your emotional support while you flirt with every girl who walks by, of course."

"Yeah, totally," he replied, smiling like he meant it. But there was a coldness behind it that didn't sit right with me. "It's nice to get out."

I leaned back, studying him with a critical eye. Charming, sure, but tonight he had a hint of that I'm-not-really-here vibe. Annoying, but I'd set the mood—cozy café, my new black dress hugging me just right, hair styled like I was in some kind of rom-com.

"I've missed this," I said, reaching across the table to take his hand, hoping the warmth would spark something. "Just you and me, enjoying each other's company. Not that you're distracted by those girls over there or anything." I nodded toward a nearby table where a group of giggling girls sat.

"Yeah, they're cute," he said, smirking like he'd just won a trophy. "But I prefer my girls a little more... unique."

I pulled my hand back, irritation flaring. "Is that supposed to be flattering? Because it's not working."

"Come on, I'm just teasing," he said, rolling his eyes like I was the one being unreasonable. "You know I'm all about the fun."

"Fun or just being a jerk?" I shot back, crossing my arms. "Because it's hard to tell with you sometimes."

He waved it off, his smirk back in full force. "You know it's a combo. Life's too short to be serious all the time."

I rolled my eyes, the unease growing like a thunderstorm in my gut. "It's not about being serious; it's about being present. I feel like I'm talking to a wall tonight."

"Distracted? Nah," he shrugged, but the way his eyes drifted around the room told another story. "A guy can appreciate beauty, can't he?"

"Sure, but I'm right here," I said, feeling frustration bubble up. "Why can't you just focus on me for once?"

He leaned back, acting like I was being dramatic. "Whoa there, Nora. Jealous much? Just admit it; you love that I have eyes for other girls."

"Are you serious?" I shot back, my voice rising. "You think I enjoy watching you flirt with anyone who walks by?"

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a big secret. "You know it just adds to the allure. Makes you want me more, right?"

I glared at him, a mix of anger and hurt boiling inside. "You're unbelievable. You think this is a game?"

"Life is a game, babe," he said with that annoying, teasing tone. "I'm just playing it the way I know how."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to reign in the anger threatening to explode. "Maybe you should consider what happens when you play with fire. It burns, Tate."

He chuckled, waving it off like it was nothing. "Please. You know you're the one I want. These other girls? Just distractions."

"Distractions? Like when you were all over that girl at the last party?" I snapped, anger spilling over. "I saw you flirting with her while I was right there!"